Complete disregard for road rules
A picture published on the front page of this paper on March 11 exemplifies our utter carelessness and disregard for basic safety when crossing railway tracks. A train can be seen approaching over the tracks, while another picture shows a biker ducking under the lowered barriers in order to rush across. Sadly, both the pictures are the norm, not exceptions. It would seem, as a nation, we lack the basic common sense to realise that such recklessness puts in danger not only oneself, but those around us as well.
We have frequently written editorials urging authorities to ensure strict implementation of traffic laws. However, what they can do is limited. If people do not understand the absurdity of risking death, no amount of policing will help.
Our wilful endangering of lives goes beyond the pictures in question. From the overloaded launches to rushing across streets instead of using foot over-bridges, too many lives are lost for no good reason. We are reminded of the story of the railway staffer Badal Mia who died saving a woman and her five-year-old daughter from imminent death in January. We reiterate what we said then: if only people did not take unnecessary risks in order to save a few minutes, such sacrifice would not have been necessary.
There is little the authorities can do, if we as a people do not change our ways. Without exceptions, without excuses, we must realise that traffic rules are not just a mere formality: they are there to help save lives. Being a few minutes late cannot be the excuse for such risks which can endanger us and others on the road.
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